Wisdom and Revelation – Part 2

In the initial “Wisdom and Revelation” entry, I discussed the beginning verse of Paul’s first prayer for the Ephesians:

…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him…(Ephesians 1:17)

Paul is praying that God the Father would give his brothers and sisters the forceful desire for the broad and full intelligence, and event-specific disclosures, of the precise and correct knowledge of Him – to know God and what He is up to.This is a prayer God will answer for all who will ask with faith and obedience – with their “Amen” first.

It is a great encouragement to know that God wants us to have such knowledge of Him.It sounds a lot like the renewing of our minds, which leads to our transformation.Only He is capable of such a thing.He is our wisdom and revelation.He is in us to will and to do to His good pleasure.He is our all in all.

If this was the fullness of Paul’s prayer, it would be enough.But, praise God, there is much more!There is the reason for our desiring to know Him – that we would find joyful, Spirit-filled ministry.That’s right!!God is not satisfied with your laborious, frustrating, aggravating and discouraging work.He wants much, much more for His children.

God wants to give us a forceful desire to know Him so that He…

1. Can teach us…

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; (verse 18a)

2. His specific purpose for our lives…

that you may know what is the hope of His calling, (18b)

3. and His plan for getting all He deserves from and for His children…

what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, (18c)

4. through the working of His exceedingly great power.

and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power… (19)

God wants to give us a forceful desire to know Him so that He can teach us His specific purpose for our lives; and His plan for getting all He deserves from, and for, His children; through the working of His exceedingly great power.

Now that is good news!!!

BTW:This is the outline of the training we offer to Marketplace Leaders, because we share the Lord’s burden that all Christian Leaders find joyful, Spirit-filled ministry in every area of their lives.

Paul goes on to say that this power is the same power…

which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (20-21)

This is resurrection and eternity ruling power…

And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (22)

This is power that we are to participate in!!!Power that will transform us into the fullness of Him!!!

I may not completely understand it, but God wants me to desire it, so He can make me all that I was created to be, and all that His Son deserves.

This is the Gospel of the Kingdom!!!

So, what are you waiting for?It all starts with a simple request:

God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, please give me a forceful desire for wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You.Teach me the purpose, plan and power you have for my life.